USM Alger and Zamalek brace for high-stakes CAF Confederation Cup final

A dramatic and chaotic evening unfolded in African football as USM Alger secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup final following a tense second-leg clash against Olympique Safi in Morocco.

The match, held at the Al Massira Al Khadra Stadium, was delayed for more than an hour after unrest erupted in the stands.

What began as a tense atmosphere quickly escalated when sections of the crowd threw objects onto the pitch before some supporters invaded the field, forcing the referee to suspend the match and send both teams back to the dressing rooms.

Security forces eventually restored order after approximately 90 minutes, allowing the game to resume under heightened precautions and reduced crowd presence.

On the pitch, both sides struggled to regain rhythm after the lengthy interruption. USM Alger managed to take the lead, but Olympique Safi responded with an equaliser in the second half.

The result, however, was enough for the Algerian side to progress on away goals after the first leg had ended goalless.

Renowned Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji praised USM Alger’s achievement.

He said, “Congratulations to USM Alger for qualifying for the final of the African Confederation Cup for the second time in its history, after returning with a draw from Safi against the Moroccan team.”

He added, “The final will be against Zamalek SC of Egypt, who in turn qualified at the expense of CR Belouizdad in the semi-finals.”

He concluded, “A promising Arab final is expected to be at the highest level, God willing, between the two prestigious teams.”